Scold's bridle, Belgium, 1550-1775
A ‘Scold’s bridle’ is a fearsome mask. It fits tightly onto the head. This example is decorated with horns. It has an oversized nose and ears. A scold was defined as a “rude, clamorous woman”. The bridle was a punishment for women who spent too much time gossiping or quarrelling. A local magistrate normally allocated the punishment. The custom developed in Britain in the 1500s. It spread to other European countries, including Germany. It was impossible to speak while wearing the mask. It was a punishment in workhouses until the early 1800s. This example is believed to have been found when the Vilvorde prison in Brussels, Belgium was rebuilt in the 1770s.
Object number:
A31704
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: Scold's bridle
A punishment for women who spoke too much or were troublesome. Also referred to as 'the brank' or 'branks', it consisted of an iron cage that covered the head with a gag that projected into the mouth. This gag was often studded to heighten the punishment.